You might be wondering: What’s the craze for these repurposed shipping containers all about that someone has even coined the terms ‘container architecture’ and ‘cargotecture’ for it? Well, just imagine unused cargo containers crowding shipyards and piers each year! What would we do with all these massive steel boxes? The only way to stop them from crowding ports is to get them out of there by putting them into good use. That’s none other than, building something useful and economical out of it.
There are many advantages that comes with cargotecture. First of all, environmentalists love the fact that it is a great contribution to eco-friendly measures they have been doing already. Specifically, it reduces our carbon footprint when constructing buildings.
The production of cement and bricks creates much carbon dioxide which could bring about a considerable amount of negative impacts on the environment as well as both the living and non-living organisms residing in it. So, by reusing these steel containers, we are able to reduce the demand on the amount of cement and bricks that manufacturers produce.
Second, it is an affordable yet durable material for buildings. Cargo containers have been designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. And as the name suggests, they are designed to carry massive, heavier-than-heavy cargo! To be able to do that, they should be sturdy and resilient.
Because ports have been experiencing headaches, thinking of ways on how to reduce their number, they are selling these for a much affordable amount as compared to when you build a home from scratch or when you buy or rent one. Cheap housing, anyone?
When you reuse containers into a building, the construction process is faster than the way conventional buildings are built. That said, you are able to save money, time and energy right on the get-go.
Even so, it is easy to customize according to your needs. You might think of it as plain rectangular prisms, but you can actually create a design based on your needs while giving it a touch of novelty. In addition, when the situation calls for a sudden move, it’s easy to transport. Thus, you can still use your shipping containers and rebuild it somewhere else. Learn more about its advantages from this related content.
Now what are some creative ways you can repurpose it for?
- Tropical Cottage for the Island Life
Of course, this idea comes from the basic fact that you can build homes out of shipping containers. If that’s the case, you can definitely transform one into a tropical beachfront cottage where your family can gather together and invite a couple of friends every summer or literally, every weekend when you feel like escaping the daily grind.
Its location doesn’t have to be beachfront though to give it that tropical vibe. You can transform it as an extra cabin in front of your pool area for easy weekend glamping just a stone’s throw from your main house.
To those who are planning on building a beach resort, this is also a very economical and creative way of providing guests with accommodation rooms. Just make sure the rooms are well-insulated—cozy but not too warm for the summer.
- A Café in the Urban Zone
Are you thinking on how you can cut back a few costs on your brick-and-mortar business location? Easy. Just read this guide on how to find cheap cargo containers: shippingcontainerssale.org
After that, you can purchase one, depending on the size that you need, then, reuse it as a café, restaurant or hole-in-the-wall snack joint. Revamp it and inject some cool interior design that’s based on your business concept, brand and unique selling points.
Those steel surfaces exude an edgy personality that’s perfect for a café located in the urban zone. The point is, there’s a cheaper way to build your food business or any kind of brick-and-mortar business.
- An Office or Creative Space in Your Backyard
Writers, visual artists, musicians or anyone who does creative work would definitely agree that a big space exclusive for the work they do should be as inspiring as possible, quiet and free from distractions.
If you’re working from home, your room can bore you easily. Besides, distractions come easy. For example, some family members might easily think that just because you’re working from home, you are instantly available for some errands they wanted done. It’s indeed challenging to separate personal life and work life if they’re in the same place at the same time.
It is important to put as much boundary as possible. A creative space or office outside your main home does the trick. It’s also even more inspiring when it’s strategically built in a backyard where you’ve planted a beautiful garden or when the glass windows become a portal to astounding views from afar.
- Swimming Pool
A standard container’s length, width and depth would be perfect for a swimming pool. It’s a great option for everyone who has always been in love with the idea of swimming as a regular exercise. The shape itself is perfect for a lap pool which is good news to those who are training for triathlon or swimming competition. Look at some cool photos of container pools here: https://homes.nine.com.au/outdoor-spaces/the-coolest-shipping-container-pools/379dee21-51ce-41f6-913a-6b635361879d#1
- Kids’ Playhouse
Another way you can repurpose that shipping container that’s been sitting there in your backyard, is to transform it to a children’s playhouse. Your kids would thank you for that! Here, they can unleash their imagination, enhance their creativity and develop their social skills as you invite friends to come over. Just remember to check on them always!
On the other hand, if your kids are in their teen years, you can use this as a spare room where they can invite their friends for a sleepover and slumber party.
Finding and buying shipping containers have many advantages both to us and to the environment we’re living in. The creative ways mentioned above on how we can repurpose them are just a few reasons you should join the fad!